Question:medium

In Bacillus anthracis, the poly-D-glutamic acid (poly-\(\gamma\)-D-glutamate) capsule is encoded by which plasmid?

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Two plasmids: one for toxin, one for the protein capsule - capsule is on pXO2.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
  • pXO1 (toxin plasmid)
  • pXO2 (capsule plasmid)
  • Chromosomal genes only
  • pXO1 and pXO2 jointly
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The answer hinges on remembering the plasmid division of labour in Bacillus anthracis. Two plasmids together confer virulence:

$pXO1 \rightarrow \text{anthrax toxin}$ (protective antigen + lethal factor + edema factor)
$pXO2 \rightarrow \text{poly-D-glutamate capsule}$ (via the capBCADE operon)

The capsule of anthrax is distinctive: instead of a polysaccharide, it is a polypeptide of $\gamma$-linked D-glutamic acid. Being a poor immunogen and resisting opsonophagocytosis, it lets the bacillus evade host defences. Because the question asks where the capsule comes from, the relevant plasmid is the capsule plasmid.

A useful clinical anchor: the Sterne vaccine strain is deliberately $pXO1^{+}, pXO2^{-}$, so it makes toxin (for immunity) but no capsule (so it stays attenuated). Conversely a $pXO1^{-}, pXO2^{+}$ strain is encapsulated but non-toxigenic and also avirulent.

\[\boxed{\text{Capsule of } B.\ anthracis = pXO2}\]
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